Digital camera capable of outputting image data to external apparatus

ABSTRACT

A digital camera is provided with a plurality of group specifying keys for specifying a use purpose of a photographed picture. In an external flash memory of the digital camera that stores the photographed pictures, a plurality of index files that correspond to the group specifying keys are generated. When any one of the plurality of group specifying keys is pressed when at least one of the recorded pictures are displayed, file names of those displayed pictures are sequentially entered in an index file corresponding to that pressed group specifying key. When using the picture file, a personal computer reads out a plurality of picture files described in an index file corresponding to a desired use purpose to then conduct the corresponding processes based on that index file.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.10/014,090 filed Nov. 13, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,095,436 which isbased upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior JapanesePatent No. 2000-350407, filed Nov. 17, 2000, the entire contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a digital camera capable of outputtingpicture (image) data to an external apparatus, a picture data managingdevice, a picture data managing method, and a recording medium in whicha picture data managing program is recorded.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, digital cameras have been equipped with a display such as anLCD, which functions as a view finder, and which allows a photographedpicture to be reproduced and confirmed on the display without using anyother devices. In such a digital camera, a picture of a subject imagedby a solid imaging device such as a CCD is recorded as picture data in arecording medium such as a flash memory. Pieces of the picture data arecompressed in a predetermined format such as JPEG (Joint PhotographicExpert Group) and are then recorded in an order they were photographedin the recording medium as picture files having file names eachconsisting of, for example, a date and time.

Furthermore, some digital cameras typically utilize cable communication,for example via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection, or wirelesscommunication, for example via infrared light, to thereby transmitpicture data to an external apparatus such as another digital cameras ora personal computer. Digital cameras may also have a detachable memorysuch as the above-mentioned recording medium, which may be attached tothe external apparatus so that the external apparatus can access thepicture data. Therefore, with such a digital camera, the picture datarecorded by photographing can be accessed on a personal computer andcopied on a floppy disk, for example, so that the pictures may bedistributed to a plurality of persons. That is, it is possible to makeextra copies of photographed images, as is possible with silver-saltcameras.

However, in an attempt to copy specific picture data to a floppy diskwith a personal computer, it is difficult to identify the picture to becopied using only the above-mentioned file name. Accordingly, it isnecessary to display and confirm on a monitor the pictures in the order(or reverse order) they were photographed and then to select a specificone of them and copy it on a floppy disk. It is thus troublesome andinefficient to distribute many pictures to many persons. In particular,when a personal computer with a low picture processing capability isused, it takes a long time to confirm the pictures to be copied, thuscausing the process of copying and distributing the pictures to beremarkably inefficient.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a digital camera, apicture data managing apparatus, a picture data managing method, and arecording medium recording therein a picture data managing program thatcan output picture data recorded in the digital camera to an externalapparatus and improve a working efficiency in picture processingexecuted by the external apparatus on the picture data.

To achieve the above object, according to a first preferred aspect ofthe present invention a digital camera is provided which includes: animaging section for imaging a subject and outputting a plurality ofpieces of image data; a specifying section for specifying at least oneof the plurality of image data pieces output from the imaging section;an index file generating section for generating an index file containingan identifier with which any image data piece specified by thespecifying section can be identified; and a control section for storingin an image storage section a plurality of image data pieces output fromthe imaging section, and for storing in an index file storage section anindex file generated by the index file generating section, wherein theconfiguration enables improving a working efficiency in image processingon the image data by an external apparatus.

According to a second preferred aspect of the present invention adigital camera is provided which includes: imaging means for imaging asubject and outputting a plurality of pieces of image data; specifyingmeans for specifying at least one of a plurality of image data piecesoutput from the imaging means; index file generating means forgenerating an index file containing an identifier with which any imagedata piece specified by the specifying means can be identified; andcontrol means for storing in an image storage section the plurality ofimage data pieces output from the imaging means and also storing in anindex file storage section an index file generated by the index filegenerating means, wherein the configuration enables improving a workingefficiency in image processing on the image data by an externalapparatus.

According to a third preferred aspect of the present invention an imagedata managing apparatus is provided which includes: an image storagesection for storing a plurality of image data pieces; a specifyingsection for specifying at least one of the plurality of image datapieces stored in the image storage section; an index file generatingsection for generating an index file containing an identifier with whichany image data piece specified by the specifying section can beidentified; and an index file storage section for storing an index filegenerated by the index file generating section, wherein theconfiguration enables improving a working efficiency in image processingon the image data by an external apparatus.

According to a fourth preferred aspect of the present invention acomputer-readable recording medium is provided that has recorded thereonan image data managing program for causing a computer of a digitalcamera provided with an imaging section for imaging a subject andoutputting picture data thereof to execute the processes of: specifyingat least one of a plurality of pieces of image data output from theimaging section; generating an index file containing an identifier withwhich any specified image data piece can be identified; and storing agenerated index file in a memory, whereby a working efficiency in imageprocessing on the image data by an external apparatus can be improved.

According to a fifth preferred aspect of the present invention an imagedata managing method for a digital camera is provided which includes:imaging a subject and outputting image data; specifying at least one ofa plurality of thus output image data pieces; generating an index filecontaining an identifier with which any specified image data piece canbe identified; and storing a generated index file in a memory, whereby aworking efficiency in image processing on the image data by an externalapparatus can be improved.

According to a sixth preferred aspect of the present invention an imagedata managing apparatus is provided which includes: an acquiring sectionfor acquiring an index file which is stored in an index file storagesection and which contains an identifier with which any image data piececan be identified; and a control section for executing image processingon any one of the image data pieces stored in an image storage sectionthat is identified by the identifier contained in an index file acquiredby the acquiring section, wherein the configuration enables improving aworking efficiency in image processing on the image data by an externalapparatus.

According to a seventh preferred aspect of the present invention animage data managing apparatus is provided which includes: acquiringmeans for acquiring an index file which is stored in an index filestorage section and which contains an identifier with which any imagedata piece can be identified; and control means for executingpredetermined image processing on any one of the image data piecesstored in an image storage section that is identified by an identifiercontained in an index file acquired by the acquiring means, wherein theconfiguration enables improving a working efficiency in image processingon the image data by an external apparatus.

According to an eighth preferred aspect of the present invention acomputer-readable recording medium is provided that has recorded thereonan image data managing program for executing the processes of: acquiringan index file which is stored in an index file storage section and whichcontains an identifier with which any image data piece can be identifiedinto a computer of an image data managing apparatus for processing imagedata; and executing predetermined image processing on any one of imagedata pieces stored in an image storage section that is identified by anidentifier contained in an acquired index file, whereby a workingefficiency in image processing on the image data by an externalapparatus can be improved.

According to a ninth preferred aspect of the present invention a picturedata managing method is provided which includes: acquiring an index filewhich is stored in an index file storage section and which contains anidentifier with which any image data piece can be identified; andexecuting predetermined image processing on any one of the image datapieces stored in an image storage section that is identified by anidentifier contained in an acquired index file, whereby a workingefficiency in image processing on the image data by an externalapparatus can be improved.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe description which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectsand advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means ofthe instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed outhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, andtogether with the general description given above and the detaileddescription of the embodiments given below, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

FIG. 1 is an external view for showing a digital camera related to afirst embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for showing an outline of the digital cameraof the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an illustration for showing a file storage construction in anexternal flash memory of the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an illustration for explaining data contents of an index filerecorded in the external flash memory;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for showing an outline of a personal computerrelated to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for showing an operation of grouping picturesphotographed by the digital camera of the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for showing an operation of picture processing bythe personal computer of the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for showing another operation of pictureprocessing by the personal computer of the first embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for showing a further operation of pictureprocessing by the personal computer of the first embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for showing a still further operation of pictureprocessing by the personal computer of the first embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram for showing an outline of a digital camerarelated to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for showing an operation of the side of thedigital camera of the second embodiment; and

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for showing an operation of the side of apersonal computer of the second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following will describe embodiments of the present invention withreference to the drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is an external view for showing a digital camera 1 related to thefirst embodiment of the present invention. A digital camera 1 includes acamera section 3 coupled to a side of an apparatus body 2 in such amanner that the camera section 3 may rotate in a vertical direction. Thecamera section 3 is equipped with an optical system including an imaginglens, a diaphragm, etc., which are not shown. A shutter key 4 is provideon the right side of the apparatus body 2. On the rear face of theapparatus body 2, a display 5, i.e. a TFT-type LCD monitor, is provided.On a side of the display 5, a mode switching key 6 is provided forswitching the operation mode of the digital camera 1 between an imagingmode (REC) for imaging and recording an image of a subject and areproduction mode (PLAY) for displaying a recorded picture. Below thedisplay 5, first through fourth operation keys 7 a-7 d (shown as“A-KEY”, “B-KEY”, C-KEY”, and “D-KEY”) are arranged in this order fromthe left. The first through fourth operations keys of 7 a-7 d areassigned different functions in the different imaging and reproductionmodes; in the reproduction mode, for example, they are used as a groupspecification key, thus functioning as a specifying section (specifyingmeans) of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for showing an outlined electricalconfiguration of the digital camera 1. The digital camera 1 is housed inthe camera section 3 and includes a CCD 11, on whose light-receptionface is formed an optical image, and a DSP/CPU 12. The DSP/CPU 12 is aone-chip micro-controller having a function of sampling, amplifying, anddigitizing an analog signal and a function of controlling varioussections of the digital camera 1.

To the DSP/CPU 12 is connected a TG (Timing Generator) 13 for drivingthe CCD 11. A unit circuit 14, to which an imaging analog signalcorresponding to a brightness of a subject output from the CCD 11 isinput, is connected to TG 13. The unit circuit 14 is comprised of a CDSfor holding an imaging analog signal output from the CCD 11, again-control amplifier (AGC) which is an analog amplifier for amplifyingthis imaging signal, and an A/D converter (AD) for converting an imagingsignal amplified at the gain adjustment amplifier into an imagingdigital signal, in such a configuration that an output signal of the CCD11 is sent as a digital signal to the DSP/CPU 12 via the unit circuit14.

The above-mentioned display 5, a key-input section 15 for generating akey-input signal corresponding to any of the above-mentioned shutterkey, the plurality of operation keys 7 a-7 d, and a power supply key,and a timer section 16 having a calendar function and a function tooutput the current date data, day-of-the-week data, and time data to theDSP/CPU 12 are connected to the DSP/CPU 12. And a DRAM 18, an internalflash memory 19, and an external flash memory 20 are connected to theDSP/CPU 12 via an address/data bus 17. The DRAM 18 temporarily stores adigitized imaging signal of a subject imaged by the CCD 11 when thesystem is set in the photographing wait mode. The built-in flash memory19 serves as a recording medium of the present invention for storing avariety of kinds of data used for control of an operating program of theDSP/CPU 12 and the various sections, and the built-in flash memory 19also has a reserved work area that is used by the DSP/CPU 12. TheDSP/CPU 12 operates according to the above-mentioned operating programto function as a control section (control means), a specifying section(specifying means), and an index file generating section (index filegenerating means) of the present invention.

The external flash memory 20 functions as a picture storage section andan index file storage section of the present invention and serves as acard-type recording medium which can be attached to and detached fromthe apparatus body 2, so that when photographing is instructed bypressing the shutter key 4 in the photographing wait mode, one frame ofpicture data read out by the DSP/CPU 12 from the DRAM 18 undergoesvarious picture processes and is compressed and finally recorded as apicture file in this external flash memory 20.

FIG. 3 shows a storage construction of a picture file in the externalflash memory 20. In this embodiment, when photographing is instructed, aJPEG-format picture file is generated, so that as shown in FIG. 3, inthe external flash memory 20, following a DCIM folder 20 a providedbeforehand in the initial state thereof are dated folders 20 b (“0101”,“0102”, . . . ) having a photographing date. These dated folder 20 b arefollowed by sequentially recorded picture files 20 c of picturesphotographed on the same day that have file names (“0101001.jpg”,“0101002.jpg”, . . . ) each consisting of a date and a serial number.

Each dated folder 20 b is followed by the picture file 20 c as well asrecorded index files 20 d (“folderA.text”, “folderB.text”,“folderC.text”) created for each of a plurality of groups predefined bythe user. As shown in FIG. 4, the index files 20 d are a text-formatfile consisting only of character data with a described file name of oneor a plurality of picture files 20 c in each dated folder 20 b, and theindex files 20 d correspond to the first through fourth operation keys 7a to 7 d, respectively.

In the imaging wait state where the shutter key 4 is not pressed in theabove-mentioned imaging mode, the display 5 functions as a view finderby displaying as a through picture a subject image taken in from theCCD11 and, in the above-mentioned reproduction mode, the display 5displays a list of pictures as downsized that were recorded in theexternal flash memory 20 or displays a user-selected picture in a sizeset at the time of photographing.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for showing a personal computer as theexternal apparatus used together with the digital camera 1 in thisembodiment. The personal computer 30 has a CPU 31, a ROM 32 and a RAM 33which are connected to the CPU 31, a CRT driving circuit 35 for drivinga CRT 34, and a printer 42. A keyboard 37, a mouse 38, a hard disk drive39, a floppy disk drive 40, and a card reader 41, which has a slotthrough which an external flash memory 20 used in the digital camera 1is removably insertable, are connected to the CPU 31 through aninterface 36. A program for enabling the card reader 41 to be used, apredetermined copying program for copying, into a drive specified by auser, a predetermined picture file recorded in the external flash memory20 mounted to the card reader 41, and a predetermined applicationprogram for reading picture data from and writing data to the externalflash memory 20 are all installed in the hard disk drive 39.

(Grouping of Pictures in Digital Camera)

The following will describe an operation of grouping pictures in theabove-mentioned digital camera 1 in the reproduction mode with referenceto the flowchart of FIG. 6. This flowchart shows the behavior ofsubroutines called by a main routine (not shown) and sequentiallyexecuted.

When the reproduction mode is set and any one of the pictures stored inthe external flash memory 20 is shown on the display 5 (or a pluralityof downsized pictures are shown on the display 5), if any one of theabove-mentioned group specifying keys (first through fourth operationkeys) 7 a to 7 d is pressed (YES is answered at step SA1), the digitalcamera 1 decides whether an index file 20 d which corresponds to thepressed group specifying key is present following a dated folder 20 b inwhich a picture file 20 c of the picture displayed (or selected) ispresent (step SA2). When such a corresponding index file 20 d is present(YES is answered at step SA2), for example, “folderA.text” is read outas that corresponding index file 20 d if that pressed group specifyingkey is the first operation key 7 a (step SA3). If no corresponding indexfile 20 d is present (NO is answered at step SA2), an index file 20 dcorresponding to the pressed group specifying key, for example,“folderD.text” is newly created if that pressed group specifying key isthe fourth operation key 7 d (step SA4).

Subsequently, the process enters a file name (e.g., “0101005.jpg”) ofthe currently displayed or selected picture in the index file 20 d readout at step SA3 or created at step SA4 then updates (saves) this indexfile 20 d (step SA5) and then returns to the main routine in thereproduction mode. By repeating these operations, the pictures recordedin the external flash memory 20 are sorted into a plurality of groups(four groups in this embodiment), which are indicated by index files 20d. Note here that the user can specify the same picture over a pluralityof groups, in which case, the same file name is entered in a pluralityof different index files 20 d.

(Copying Pictures in Personal Computer)

The following will describe the operations when the user has activatedthe above-mentioned copying program in a state where the external flashmemory 20 after undergoing the above-mentioned processing by the digitalcamera 1 is mounted to the card reader 41, with reference to theflowchart of FIG. 7.

When the copying program is activated, the personal computer 30 displayson the CRT 34 a screen requesting the location (other than the cardreader 41) to which a picture file is to be copied, e.g. the floppy diskdrive 40 etc. (step SB1), and then awaits specification of the recordingmedium (step SB2). If the user then specifies a recording medium (drive)(YES is answered at step SB2), the index files 20 d present followingall the dated folders 20 b in the external flash memory 20 are retrievedand listed on the CRT 34 (step SB3) and then specification of at leastone of the index files 20 d is awaited (step SB4).

If, subsequently, one or more of the index files 20 d (e.g.,“folderA.text”) is specified from among this list displayed on the CRT34 (YES is answered at step SB4), all the specified index files 20 d areread out (step SB5). Then, all the picture files described in the one ormore index files 20 d having the same file name are sequentially readout from the external flash memory 20 and the read out picture files 20c are copied to a recording medium (drive) specified by the user at stepSB1 (step SB6). When the relevant picture files 20 c are all copiedcompletely (YES is answered at step SB7), the process ends immediately.

In this embodiment, therefore, the user can perform the following stepsto distribute one or a plurality of pictures photographed by the digitalcamera 1 using a floppy disk. First, for example, he predefines thefirst operation key 7 a (“A-KEY”) of the digital camera 1 as a groupspecifying key for specifying a picture to be copied so that the digitalcamera 1 may sequentially display or select pictures to be distributedand, when the first operation key 7 a is pressed a picture is selectedto be copied. Next, the external flash memory 20 is detached from thedigital camera 1 and attached to the personal computer 30 to supply theindex file 20 d (“folderA.text”) which corresponds to the firstoperation key 7 a (“A-KEY”) to the personal computer 30 so that the oneor more pictures specified therein may be copied to a floppy disk. Thus,one or a plurality of pictures to be automatically copied to the floppydisk at a time.

That is, the user can operate the personal computer to copy any picturesrecorded in the external flash memory 20 directly to the floppy diskwithout a need of displaying and confirming them one by one. Thisfeature enables rapid copying even with a personal computer having a lowpicture processing capability. Moreover, even many pictures to bedistributed can be copied to the floppy disk at a time. The picturefiles, therefore, can be copied easily and efficiently.

Furthermore, since the index files 20 d generated by the digital camera1 and recorded in the external flash memory 20 are of a text format,even if many picture files are specified (grouped) as pictures to becopied, the size of the index files 20 d does not significantlyincrease. Therefore, only a small memory capacity is required to recordthe index files 20 d, thus effectively utilizing the storage capacity ofthe external flash memory.

Also in this embodiment, since the first through fourth operations keys7 a-7 d function as the group specifying keys in the reproduction mode,and since a plurality of index files 20 d are generated corresponding tothe operations of the first through fourth operation keys 7 a-7 d, thepictures recorded in the external flash memory 20 can be classified andspecified beforehand into a plurality of groups, for example, into aplurality of subject types such as a landscape and a portrait or intosubject person groups, so that one or a plurality of the pictures can berapidly copied at a time for each of thus classified groups. Thisfacilitates use.

It should be noted that, in contrast to this embodiment, any one of thefirst through fourth operation keys 7 a-7 d may be specified to functionas the group specifying key so that its operations may instruct thesystem to create only one index file 20 d. Even in such a case, the sameeffect as this embodiment can be obtained. That is, the picture filescan be copied easily and efficiently. Also in this case, since no indexfiles 20 d need to be specified in the personal computer 30, steps SB3and SB4 of FIG. 7 can be omitted, so that copying starts immediatelywhen the one index file 20 d is retrieved from the external flash memory20.

Furthermore, although according to the first embodiment theabove-mentioned index files 20 d are each generated following each ofthe dated folders 20 b, the present invention is not limited thereto.For example, an index file 20 d may be generated, for example,immediately following the DCIM folder 20 a so that specified picturefiles 20 c may be indicated over a plurality of the dated folders 20 b.A number of the index files 20 d may correspond to a number the groupspecifying keys (first through fourth operations keys) 7 a-7 d. Thus,rather than generating a plurality of index files 20 d of the same groupfor each date, only one index file 20 d must be generated for the group.

In addition, although according to the first embodiment the index file20 d may be generated in the external flash memory 20 based on theoperations of the group specifying keys, the present invention is notlimited thereto. For example, an index file 20 d that corresponds toeach of the group specifying keys (first through fourth operation keys)7 a-7 d and that has no picture file name recorded may be generatedbeforehand, for example immediately when the external flash memory 20 isstarted in use.

Furthermore, although according to the first embodiment the apparatusbody 2 of the digital camera 1 is provided with the first through fourthoperation keys 7 a-7 d so that the user can selectively press each ofthese operation keys 7 a-7 d to thereby specify (select) a picture onthe display 5 and also specify its group, the present invention is notlimited thereto. For example, an operation key for specifying a desiredpicture and an operation key for further specifying it's the group ofthe desired picture may be provided separately from each other; or thesame operation key may be used to specify a desired picture and also tospecify its group.

Furthermore, although according to the first embodiment the digitalcamera 1 has the display for displaying a through picture and a recordedpicture, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, adigital camera may be employed that does not have the display 5. In sucha case, for example, when the shutter key 4 is pressed in photographingand if any one of the operation keys 7 a-7 d or a predeterminedoperation key is pressed, a picture file name of a previouslyphotographed picture may be entered in an index file 20 d whichcorresponds to an operated group specifying key. Alternatively, if anyone of the operation keys 7 a-7 d or a predetermined key is pressedimmediately before the shutter key is pressed in photographing, apicture file name of a picture photographed immediately afterward may beentered in an index file 20 d which corresponds to an operated groupspecifying key.

Furthermore, although according to the first embodiment the externalflash memory 20 is detached from the digital camera 1 and issubsequently attached to the card reader 41 of the personal computer 30so that the personal computer 30 may acquire a picture file 20 c and anindex file 20 d, the present invention is not limited thereto. Forexample, the picture file 20 c and the index file 20 d may betransferred from the digital camera 1 (later-described digital camera 51of FIG. 11) to the personal computer 30 via cable communication, forexample via a USB cable, or via wireless communication, for example viaan infrared light, to be recorded on the hard disk 39 (or the RAM 33,the floppy disk, or the external flash memory 20) of the personalcomputer 30.

Furthermore, although according to the first embodiment the pictureprocessing conducted on a picture file contained in a specified indexfile 20 d is copying the picture file to other recording mediums, thepresent invention is not limited thereto. For example, the pictureprocessing conducted on the picture file may be any other processing,for example, printing or display processing. In a case of printingprocessing conducted as the picture processing, only such a programneeds to be prepared that when the user has specified any one of theindex files 20 d recorded in the external flash memory 20, one or aplurality of picture files 20 c described in this specified index file20 d may be sequentially read out to the above-mentioned personalcomputer 30 to cause the printer 42 connected thereto to start printing.

Furthermore, although according to the first embodiment a fixed type ofpicture processing is conducted on a picture file described in aspecified index file 20 d, the present invention is not limited thereto.For example, any given picture processing selected by the user may beconducted.

The following will describe a specific example where the user selectsany given picture processing, with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a variant of the flowchart of FIG.7.

Upon activation of the picture processing program, the personal computer30 searches the external flash memory 20 for all the index files 20 dfollowing any dated folders 20 b and lists them on the CRT 34 (stepSB11), awaiting the specification of one or more of the index files 20 d(step SB12).

Subsequently, when one or more of the index files 20 d in the listdisplayed on the CFT 34 is specified (YES is answered at step SB12), thetypes of processing, such as copy, print, display, and other pictureprocessing, are listed on the CRT34 (step SB13) and selection of apicture processing type is awaited (step SB14).

If the print processing is selected from the list (YES is answered atstep SB14), a picture file (picture files) is read out from the externalflash memory 20 that is identified by a picture file name contained inthe index file 20 d specified at step SB12, and the read out picturefile is printed by the printer 42, thereby ending the process (stepSB15).

If the copy processing is selected from the list (YES is answered atstep SB14), on the other hand, a picture file (picture files) is readout from the external flash memory 20 that is identified by a picturefile name contained in the index file 20 d specified at step SB12, andthe read out picture file is copied to another recording medium, therebyending the process (step SB16).

If the display processing is selected from the list (YES is answered atstep SB14), on the other hand, a picture file (picture files) is readout from the external flash memory 20 that is identified by a picturefile name contained in the index file 20 d specified at step SB12, andthe read out picture file is displayed on the CRT 34, thereby ending theprocess (step SB17).

Furthermore, although as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 the type ofpicture processing to be conducted on a picture file described in aspecified index file 20 d is selected by hand, the present invention isnot limited thereto. For example, the type of picture processing to beconducted may be automatically determined on the basis of a file type ofthe index file 20 d.

The following will describe a specific example where the pictureprocessing type is determined automatically, with reference to thedrawings.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a variant of the flowchart of FIG.8.

Upon activation of the picture processing program, the personal computer30 searches the external flash memory 20 for all the index files 20 dfollowing any dated folders 20 b and lists them on the CRT 34 (stepSB21) and then waits for specification of one or more of the index files20 d.

When, subsequently, one or more of the index files 20 d is specifiedfrom the list (YES is answered at step SB22), the picture processingtype is determined on the basis of a file name of the specified indexfile 20 d (step SB23).

If the print processing is selected (YES is answered at step SB24), apicture file (picture files) is read out from the external flash memory20 that is identified by a picture file name contained in the index file20 d specified at step SB22, and the read out picture file is printed bythe printer 42, thereby ending the process (step SB25).

If the copy processing is selected at step SB23 (YES is answered at step26), on the other hand, a picture file (picture files) is read out fromthe external flash memory 20 that is identified by a file name containedin the index file 20 d specified at step SB22, and the read out picturefile is copied to another recording medium, thereby ending the process(step SB27).

If the display processing is selected at step SB23 (NO is answered atstep SB26), on the other hand, a picture file (picture files) is readout from the external flash memory 20 that is identified by a picturefile name contained in the index file 20 d specified at step SB22, andthe read out picture file is displayed on the CRT 34, thereby ending theprocess (step SB28).

Although the flowchart of FIG. 7 has been described with a case wherethe index file 20 d is specified by the user manually, the presentinvention is not limited thereto. For example, the index file 20 d maybe specified (selected) automatically.

For example, a printer-dedicated terminal (terminal comprised only ofthe CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, card reader 41, and printer 42 shown in FIG.5) that is capable of accepting the external flash memory 20 may be usedas an external apparatus of the present invention so that apredetermined file name may be given beforehand to this terminal so asto automatically print one or a plurality of picture files 20 cdescribed in an index file 20 d having the predetermined file name.

The following will describe a specific example of automaticallyspecifying an index file to be printed, with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a variant of the flowchart of FIG.7.

Upon activation of the picture processing program, the print-dedicatedterminal searches the external flash memory 20 for those index files 20d assigned a printing file name of all the index files 20 d followingany dated folders 20 b (step SB31). If any one of such index files 20 dis found (YES is answered at step SB32), the print-dedicated terminalreads out from the external flash memory 20 a picture file (picturefiles) identified by a picture file name contained in that printingindex file 20 d and prints the read out picture file using the printer42, thereby ending the process (step SB33).

Although the flowchart of FIG. 10 has been described with a case wherethe present invention is applied to a print-dedicated terminal, thepresent invention is not limited thereto. For example, the presentinvention may be likewise applied to a display-dedicated terminal or acopy-dedicated terminal.

Furthermore, although FIG. 10 has been described with a case where thepresent invention is applied to a print-dedicated terminal, the presentinvention is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention maybe applied to an external apparatus (personal computer 30 of FIG. 5)that can conduct all of the copy, print, and display processing itemsdescribed along the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 9.

That is, when any one of the copy, print, and display processing itemsis specified (selected) and set and registered beforehand, processing asshown in FIG. 10 with respect to the print processing is conducted forthe set and registered processing.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 11 is a block diagram for showing an electrical configuration ofthe digital camera 51 related to a second embodiment of the presentinvention. In addition to roughly the configuration as that of FIG. 2,the digital camera 51 has a data transfer section 52 connected to theaddress/data bus 17. The data transfer section 52 realizes an outputsection of the present invention and has an output terminal forattaching a communication cable (not shown), through which it isconnected to an interface 36 of the personal computer 30 shown in FIG.5. In this configuration, the picture files 20 c and the index files 20d recorded in the external flash memory 20 are output to the personalcomputer etc. shown in FIG. 5. In this data transfer, signal processingis performed according to the predetermined standards of the RS232C, theUSB, etc. The other sections of the digital camera 51 are the same asthose of the digital camera 1 shown in FIG. 2 and so an explanationthereof is omitted.

With the digital camera 51 as described above, by grouping the picturesaccording to the flowchart of FIG. 6 corresponding to the user'soperations in the reproduction mode, the above-mentioned index file 20 dcan be created and stored in the external flash memory 20. The digitalcamera 51 itself can also be connected to the personal computer 30through the communication cable with predetermined data-transfer linksoftware installed in the personal computer, to transfer the picturefile 20 c to the personal computer 30.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are flowcharts for showing the operations of the digitalcamera 51 and the personal computer 30 respectively when the usertransmits a predetermined picture file 20 c recorded in the externalflash memory 20 to the personal computer 30 with the digital camera 51connected thereto via the communication cable.

That is, upon activation of the link software by the user, the personalcomputer 30 requests the digital camera 51 to send an index file thereto(step SC1). At this moment, the digital camera 51, after being connectedwith the communication cable, is waiting for a request for an indexfile, so that in response to a request from the personal computer (YESat step SD1), it reads out all the index files 20 d recorded on theexternal flash memory 20 and transfers them to the personal computer 30(step SD2).

Upon completion of reception of these index files 20 d (YES at stepSC2), the personal computer 30 in turn lists all the received indexfiles 20 d on the CRT 34 (step SC3) and waits for specification of oneor more of the index files 20 d (step SC4). If, subsequently, one ormore of these listed index files 20 d (e.g., “folderA.text”) isspecified (YES is answered at step SC4), the personal computer requeststhe digital camera 51 to send each of the picture files described in thespecified index file 20 d (step SC5). In this step, the personalcomputer 30 sends the information of a file name of the picture file 20c and also a dated folder 20 b where the picture file 20 c exists to thedigital camera 51.

The digital camera 51 responds to a request from the personal computer30 (YES at step SD3) by reading out the requested picture filessequentially and transferring them to the personal computer 30 (stepSD4) and, upon completion of the transfer of all the picture files (YESat step SD5), ends the process. The personal computer 30 in turnsequentially receives the picture files 20 c requested at the step SC5and copies them to a predetermined recording medium (drive) (step SC6).When all the requested picture files are copied (YES is answered at stepSC7), the process end directly.

As according to the first embodiment, according to the secondembodiment, therefore, the user can specify a copy-subject picture inthe digital camera 51 beforehand to thereby copy a picture file easilyand efficiently. Almost the same effects other than this as thosedescribed with the first embodiment can be obtained.

According to the second embodiment, the purpose in use (usage) of aspecified picture may be any other purpose, for example, printing,instead of copying In such a case, desired pictures can be printed at atime immediately by operating a printer with which the digital camera 51can be connected in much the same manner as mentioned above with respectto the personal computer 30. Moreover, it is possible to print only adesired picture without providing the printer with a display sectionrequired to confirm print-subject pictures. Further, by employing such aconfiguration that print-subject index files 20 d are generated in theexternal flash memory 20 of the digital camera 51 while the printer isengaged in only the reading of those index files 20 d, the printer neednot specify any index file 20 d, thus eliminating a need for the displaysection for specifying the index files 20 d.

Although like the first embodiment, according to the second embodimentan index file 20 d may be stored along with a picture file 20 c into theexternal flash memory 20, the present invention is not limited thereto.For example, of course, these files 20 c and 20 d may be stored atdifferent locations.

Besides the above-mentioned configurations, a password or an ID code maybe recorded, in configuration, in one or all of the above-mentionedplurality of index files 20 d for enabling the collation by the personalcomputer etc. when it engages in processing which corresponds to apredetermined use purpose of a picture file also only such processingthat corresponds to a picture file 20 c described in a collated indexfile 20 d.

Furthermore, of course, the variations of the first embodiment(especially as shown in FIGS. 8-10) apply to the second embodiment aswell.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects isnot limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shownand described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventiveconcept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

1. An image data managing apparatus comprising: a display section fordisplaying a plurality of index files which are already produced andstored in an index file storage section, and each of which contains atleast one identifier which respectively identifies an image data piece;a first selecting section for selecting via a manual operation a desiredindex file from the plurality of index files displayed by the displaysection; and a control section for executing image processing on atleast one image data piece among image data pieces stored in an imagestorage section, said at least one image data piece being identified bythe at least one identifier contained in the desired index file selectedby the first selecting section via the manual operation; wherein theindex file storage section and the image storage section are provided ina digital camera, and the image data managing apparatus furthercomprises a first receiving section for receiving the plurality of indexfiles stored in the index file storage section in the digital camera;and wherein: said display section displays the plurality of index filesreceived by the first receiving section; said control section comprises:(i) an output section for outputting to the digital camera a transferrequest signal for requesting transfer of the at least one image datapiece identified by the identifier contained in the selected index file,and (ii) a second receiving section for receiving from the digitalcamera the image data piece requested to be transferred by the transferrequest signal output from the output section; and said control sectionexecutes image processing on the image data piece received by the secondreceiving section.
 2. The image data managing apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the index file storage section and the image storagesection are provided on a recording medium which is removably providedin a main body of the digital camera.
 3. The image data managingapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second selectingsection for selecting via a manual operation a desired image processingfrom a plurality of kinds of image processing, wherein the controlsection executes the image processing selected by the second selectingsection on the image data piece identified by the identifier containedin the selected index file.
 4. The image data managing apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein: the index file storage section stores aplurality of kinds of index files; and said control section executesimage processing determined based on a kind of the selected index fileon the image data piece identified by the identifier contained in theselected index file.
 5. An image data managing apparatus comprising:display means for displaying a plurality of index files which arealready produced and stored in an index file storage section, and eachof which contains at least one identifier which respectively identifiesan image data piece; first selecting means for selecting via a manualoperation a desired index file from the plurality of index filesdisplayed by the display means; and control means for executing imageprocessing on at least one image data piece among image data piecesstored in an image storage section, said at least one image data piecebeing identified by the at least one identifier contained in the desiredindex file selected by the first selecting means via the manualoperation; wherein the index file storage section and the image storagesection are provided in a digital camera, and the image data managingapparatus further comprises first receiving means for receiving theplurality of index files stored in the index file storage section in thedigital camera; and wherein: said display means displays the pluralityof index files received by the first receiving means; said control meanscomprises: (i) output means for outputting to the digital camera atransfer request signal for requesting transfer of the at least oneimage data piece identified by the identifier contained in the selectedindex file, and (ii) second receiving means for receiving from thedigital camera the image data piece requested to be transferred by thetransfer request signal output from the output means; and said controlmeans executes image processing on the image data piece received by thesecond receiving means.
 6. An image data managing apparatus comprising:a first selecting section for selecting via a manual operation a desiredkind of image processing from a plurality of kinds of image processingas a kind of image processing for an index file which is alreadyproduced and stored in an index file storage section, and which containsidentifiers which respectively identify image data pieces; and a controlsection for executing the kind of image processing selected by theselecting section on identified image data pieces among image datapieces stored in an image storage section, said identified image datapieces being identified by the identifiers contained in the index filealready produced and stored in the index file storage section; whereinthe index file storage section and the image storage section areprovided in a digital camera, and the image data managing apparatusfurther comprises a first receiving section for receiving the index filestored in the index file storage section in the digital camera; andwherein: said control section comprises: (i) an output section foroutputting to the digital camera a transfer request signal forrequesting transfer of the image data pieces identified by theidentifiers contained in the index file received by the first receivingsection, and (ii) a second receiving section for receiving from thedigital camera the image data pieces requested to be transferred by thetransfer request signal output from the output section; and said controlsection executes the selected kind of image processing on the image datapieces received by the second receiving section.
 7. The image datamanaging apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a displaysection for displaying contents of the plurality of kinds of imageprocessing, wherein the first selecting section selects the contents ofthe desired kind of image processing via the manual operation from thecontents of the plurality of kinds of image processing which aredisplayed by the display section.
 8. The image data managing apparatusaccording to claim 6, wherein the index file storage section and theimage storage section are formed on a recording medium which isremovably provided in a main body of the digital camera.
 9. The imagedata managing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the plurality ofkinds of image processing comprises copy processing, display processingand print processing.
 10. The image data managing apparatus according toclaim 6, further comprising a second selecting section for selecting viaa manual operation a desired index file from a plurality of said indexfiles which are already produced and stored in the index file storagesection; wherein the first selecting section selects via the manualoperation an arbitrary kind of image processing from the plurality ofkinds of image processing as a kind of image processing for the indexfile selected by the second selecting section.
 11. The image datamanaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control sectionexecutes the kind of image processing selected by the first selectingsection, without incorporating information indicating the kind of imageprocessing into the index file.
 12. The image data managing apparatusaccording to claim 6, wherein the control section executes the kind ofimage processing selected by the first selecting section, withoutdetermining a kind of image processing to be executed based oninformation included in the index file.
 13. An image data managingapparatus comprising: selecting means for selecting via a manualoperation a desired kind of image processing from a plurality of kindsof image processing as a kind of image processing for an index filewhich is already produced and stored in an index file storage sectionand which contains identifiers which respectively identify image datapieces; and control means for executing the kind of image processingselected by the selecting means on identified image data pieces amongimage data pieces stored in an image storage section, said identifiedimage data pieces being identified by the identifiers contained in theindex file already produced and stored in the index file storagesection; wherein the index file storage section and the image storagesection are provided in a digital camera, and the image data managingapparatus further comprises first receiving means for receiving theindex file stored in the index file storage section in the digitalcamera; and wherein: said control means comprises: (i) output means foroutputting to the digital camera a transfer request signal forrequesting transfer of the image data pieces identified by theidentifiers contained in the index file received by the first receivingmeans, and (ii) second receiving means for receiving from the digitalcamera the image data pieces requested to be transferred by the transferrequest signal output from the output means; and said control meansexecutes the selected kind of image processing on the image data piecesreceived by the second receiving means.